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Posted on: June 8, 2017

NEWS RELEASE: AIR QUALITY FORECAST ADVISORY—CODE ORANGE FOR OZONE

MEMPHIS – In cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ); the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH); and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has issued a “Code Orange Air Quality Forecast Advisory” for Friday, June 9, 2017 for the Memphis Metropolitan Area. The Memphis Metropolitan Area includes Shelby County, Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; and DeSoto County, Mississippi.A “CodeOrange Air Quality Forecast Advisory” indicates ozone levels are forecast to exceed the eight-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Health Precautions:For Active Children and AdultsFor Persons With Respiratory Difficulties

OZONE REDUCTION TIPSRECOMMENDED DURING“CODE ORANGE OZONE ADVISORIES”

Limit prolonged outdoor activities during afternoon hoursHigh ozone levels can cause nose, eye, throat, and lung irritationHigh ozone levels can aggravate existing conditions and lead to increased potential for illness in this sensitive group

Refuel cars and lawnmowers after 7:00 pm, avoid spills and do not “top off” tanksCarpool or mass transitCombine errands instead of many separate tripsDrive less, especially during peak hours or hot days

Under existing Air Quality Index guidelines, ozone levels are expected to reach the classification of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. The forecast exceedance for tomorrow is expected as a result of stagnant conditions, increased temperatures, and decreased winds.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups(Orange)(Advisory)

101 – 150

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.